Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1887-07-08
WASHINGTON, July Z,

about visiting st. Louis at the time of the
Grand Army encampment next fall, and has
sent letter to Mayor Francis of that city
expressing his regrets. In this letter he
says:
1.-THE exactions of the Grand Army of the
Republic, increasing in volume and viru-
lence, constrained me to review my accep-
tance of your invitation. The expressions
referred to 90 the extent of declaring that l
would be an uuwelcome guest at the time
and place of the national encamEment. This
statement is based, as well as can judge,
upon certain official acts of mine, involving
important public interests, done under the
restraints and obligations of my oath of Office,
which do not appear to accord with the wish
es of some members of the Grand Army of
the Republic.
81 beg you to understand that am not
conscious of any act of mine which should
make me fear to meet the Grand Armv ofthe
Republic, or any other assemblage of my
fellow citizens. The account of my official
stewardship is always ready for presentation
to my countrymen. | should not be frank if
l failed to confess, while disclaiming all re-
sentiment, that have been hurt by the un-
worthy and wanton attacks upon me growing
out of this matter, and the reckless manner
in which my actions and motives have been
"ioi CplSsSutcu, Uoti puoIiSiy plNdtSiys
for which. however, the Grand Army of the
Republic, as body, is by no means respon
sible.
The threats of personal violence and harm,
in case undertake the trip in question, which
scores of misguided, unbalanced men under
the stimulations of excited feelings have
made, are not even considered.
A number of Grand Army posts have
signfied their intention, | am informed,
to remain away from the encampment
10 case | visit the city at that time. With
out considering the merit of such an
excuse, | feel that | ought not TO
be the cause Cf such non-auend
ance. The time and place of the encamp-
ment were fixed long before my invitations
were received. Those desiring to participate
in Its proceedings should be first regarded,
and nothing should be permitted to interfere
with their intentions.
Il assure you that abandon my plan with
out the least personal feeling, except regret,
constrained thereto by a sense of duty, ac-
turated by a desire to save embarrassment to
the people of St. Louis or their expected
guests, and with a heart full of grateful ap
probation of the sincere and unaffected kind
ness of your citizens.
81 hope the encampment may be an occA-
sion of much usefulness and that its proceed
ings may illustrate the highest patriotism OF
American citizenship.
GROVER CLEVELAND"
1t is practically settled that the President
will not visit the west the present year. The
abandonment of the proposed visit to ST.
Louis has resulted in wholly changing what
ever plans he had made for visiting western
cities. The only plans the President has
made for leaving Washington during the
summer and autumn are those for his visit to
Clinton, N. Y -. the 10Th, which will probably
not consume altogether more than weeks
time, and his visit to Atlanta in October. on
the occasion OF the Piedmont fair.
The Evening Critic (Md says: "That
the chief magistrate of the U. ). should be
deferred from visiting any portion of the
country by threats of insult to his high Office
10 something heretofore unknown in national
experience and something that never should
have been known. The bare suggestion of
such contingence is startling to the conser.
vative element of the Unioa. In all proba.
bility the controversy will widen the breach
between the politicians of the Grand Army
and the administration. But it is calculated
to produce a still wider breach in the Grand
Army organization itself, many members of
which if not in sympathy with the Presidents
policy still recognize him as the chief officer
of the Government, to whom all classes of
people eve at least courteous obedience of
good citizens and are unalterably opposed to
making him target, in season and out of
season, of continuous partisan assault"
ST. LOUIS, July 7.
The Presidents letter has stirred up hot
and diversified expression of opinion. The
committee that took the invitation to the
President strongly denounce the men instru-
mental in the defeat of their plan. Their
friends are equally displeased, especially the
citizens, who had made great effort to iu.
duce the President to make the visit. Many
wished to organize Immediately to invite the
Grand Army to find another place for the
encampment. Some promised very icy re-
ception to the soldiers. Many others, how
ever, who saw the wisdom of the Presidents
course and were pleased that the city had
been relieved of what promised to be an un.
pleasant affair. They felt that the city had
been humiliated and are indignant, but agree
that the Grand Army's eucampment shall be
q success and at some other time the
President shall have reception in keeping
| with the high office he holds.
The citizens committee determined to take
immediate steps, and at four o'clock this af.
| ternoon assembled in the office of Mayor
Francis and discussed the situation. A COM
mirtee was appointed to draw up resolutions
to be submitted to the mass meeting of citi-
zens at the Merchants Exchange tomorrow
afternoon. 1t will embody an invitation to
the President to visit the city during the fair
week early in October, or at some other time
that suits his convenience, and will promise
him an enthusiastic reception. citizens
committee will then be appointed to again
visit the President and endeavor to induce
him TO come.
WASHINGTON, July 7.
The Presidents letter has created great
interest in political and army circles. The
general impression seems to be that it is
strong political letter and will improve his
chances for reelection. A few persons
thought the President took narrow view OF
disaffection among mslcontents of the G. A.
R., and said he should have gone to ST.
Louis anyhow, inasnuch as in his letter he
stated that he did not hold the Grand Army
as body responsible for the discontented
feelings against him.
Gen. Lander Post, No. 2, Of Lynn, Mass,
which arrived last night from Virginia, called
on the President this evening. They were
received in the East room. When the Pres.
dent came down stairs to receive them, Post
Commander Walker proposed three cheers
for the President.
The President. with smile, addressed the
visitors as follows:
can only say to you, gentlemen, that
am glad to meet you here. have extended
to YOU this ccurteousy ss have latelv with